Plot Summary
Arrival in Maple Ridge
Jessica Smithson arrives in the mountain town of Maple Ridge, Oregon, desperate to disappear after five years in prison for a crime she didn't commit—the murder of her abusive husband. With a new name, a new hair color, and a suitcase of trauma, she's determined to start over. The town is picturesque, but Jessica's anxiety is ever-present, her every move shadowed by fear of recognition and the ghosts of her past. Her new landlord, Anne, offers a fixer-upper house and a chance at anonymity. Jessica's first steps in Maple Ridge are tentative, but the hope of safety and a fresh start flickers, even as she struggles to believe she deserves it.
Haunted House, Haunted Past
Jessica's new home is a decaying relic, filled with decades of magazines and the lingering presence of its former owner, Iris. The house's haunted feel mirrors Jessica's own haunted psyche. As she explores, she's both comforted and unsettled by the clutter and the stories it holds. The house becomes a metaphor for her own need to sort through the wreckage of her life. Anne's kindness is a balm, but Jessica's scars—both visible and hidden—keep her isolated. The house, with its peeling wallpaper and hidden corners, offers both a refuge and a challenge: can she rebuild herself as she renovates these walls?
Troy's Mission of Healing
Troy Carson, ex-Marine and local contractor, is driven by his own wounds—his best friend's suicide after PTSD, and a promise to care for the friend's family. Troy's life is a patchwork of service: volunteering at the Veterans Center, building cabins for struggling vets, and trying to buy Iris's house to flip for charity. He's haunted by guilt and a need to fix what's broken, in others and in himself. When he hears a mysterious woman has moved into the house he wanted, his curiosity is piqued. Troy's path is one of outward strength and inward struggle, seeking redemption through acts of care.
Unlikely Connections
Jessica and Troy's first encounter is charged with tension and vulnerability. At the lake, Jessica is startled by Troy and his therapy dog, Butterscotch. Her scars and anxiety are visible, but Troy's gentle approach and Butterscotch's intuition offer a rare moment of comfort. Both are drawn to each other's pain and resilience, though Jessica is wary of any connection. Troy senses her trauma and is compelled to help, recognizing the signs of PTSD he's seen in others. Their meeting is awkward, tentative, and charged with the possibility of healing—if only Jessica can let someone in.
Secrets Behind Walls
Jessica's life is a series of security rituals—threads on doors, tape on windows, constant vigilance. Her trauma is ever-present, manifesting in flashbacks and nightmares. She's haunted by the loss of her daughter, whom she gave up for adoption to protect her from the fallout of her conviction. The house's physical mess becomes a project, a way to distract from her inner chaos. As she sorts through Iris's magazines, she uncovers not just history, but hints of hidden stories—paralleling her own need to unearth and confront her past. The house's secrets become entwined with her own.
The Lake Encounter
At the lake, Jessica's defenses falter. Troy's presence, and Butterscotch's gentle insistence, coax her into a rare moment of connection. Troy recognizes her pain and offers help, but Jessica is quick to retreat, afraid of being seen or pitied. The encounter leaves both unsettled—Jessica by the possibility of trust, Troy by the depth of her wounds. The lake becomes a liminal space, a place where the past and present blur, and where the possibility of healing first glimmers. Both leave changed, carrying the memory of the other's pain and the hope of something more.
Building Trust, Brick by Brick
Jessica's days are filled with cautious routines and tentative forays into town. She tries to find work, but her lack of references and experience—her erased identity—make it nearly impossible. Anne's offer to sell her the house gives Jessica a sense of agency, a chance to claim something as her own. Troy, meanwhile, is drawn deeper into her orbit, offering help with renovations and inviting her into his circle of friends. Each interaction is fraught with risk for Jessica, but also with the possibility of belonging. Trust is built slowly, through shared work, laughter, and the gentle persistence of those who refuse to give up on her.
Flashbacks and First Aid
Jessica's PTSD manifests in sudden, overwhelming flashbacks—triggered by loud noises, unexpected touches, or reminders of her past. A panic attack outside the florist leaves her bleeding and disoriented, but Troy's calm intervention and Zara's warmth help ground her. The episode is both humiliating and revealing, exposing the depth of her wounds but also the compassion of those around her. Troy's understanding, shaped by his own experiences with trauma, becomes a lifeline. The incident cements their bond, but also underscores the fragility of Jessica's recovery and the long road ahead.
A New Home, A New Hope
Jessica buys the house, a bold step toward reclaiming her life. The act is both terrifying and empowering—she's no longer just a guest or a fugitive, but a homeowner with agency. With Anne's blessing, she begins to envision a future: renovations, a garden, maybe even a place for her daughter to visit one day. The house becomes a symbol of hope, a canvas for her to rebuild not just walls, but her sense of self. Troy's offer to help with the renovations deepens their connection, and Jessica begins to imagine the possibility of friendship, and perhaps more.
The Ghosts We Carry
Jessica is haunted by the loss of her daughter, the violence of her marriage, and the betrayals of the justice system. Nightmares and flashbacks are constant companions, and even moments of peace are tinged with grief. She clings to mementos—a baby shoe, old photos—as lifelines to a life she's lost. The house's haunted atmosphere mirrors her own sense of being trapped between past and present. Yet, through therapy, friendship, and the slow work of rebuilding, Jessica begins to confront her ghosts, learning that healing is not about forgetting, but about integrating the pain into a new narrative.
Friendship and Fragility
Jessica's circle expands as she's drawn into Troy's group of friends—Zara, Simone, Emily, and others—who offer acceptance without judgment. Game nights, hikes, and shared meals become rituals of belonging, chipping away at her isolation. Yet, the fragility of her trust is ever-present; a dropped pan or a police uniform can send her spiraling. The group's support is a lifeline, but Jessica struggles to believe she deserves it. Through small acts of kindness and the steady presence of those who care, she begins to rebuild her sense of self and her capacity for joy.
The Past Never Sleeps
Jessica's past is never far behind. News articles, memories, and the ever-present fear of being discovered keep her on edge. A break-in at her house shatters her sense of safety, and the possibility that someone is searching for her—or for the secrets hidden in the house—raises the stakes. Her relationship with Troy deepens, but the secrets she keeps threaten to undermine their growing intimacy. The tension between the desire for connection and the need for self-protection becomes a central struggle, as Jessica learns that true healing requires both vulnerability and courage.
Angelique's Hidden War
Interwoven with Jessica's narrative is the story of Angelique, a British SOE agent in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Angelique's life is one of constant danger, subterfuge, and sacrifice. She navigates a world of coded messages, hidden rooms, and shifting allegiances, risking everything to fight oppression. Her story, discovered by Jessica in Iris's hidden journals, becomes a source of inspiration and reflection. Angelique's courage, resilience, and the moral complexities she faces mirror Jessica's own journey, offering lessons in survival, hope, and the cost of secrets.
Parallel Lives, Parallel Pain
As Jessica delves deeper into Angelique's journals, she finds uncanny parallels between their lives: both are women marked by trauma, both hide behind new identities, both struggle with trust and betrayal. Angelique's wartime choices—her alliances, her sacrifices, her acts of resistance—resonate with Jessica's own battles. The dual narrative weaves together themes of survival, the legacy of violence, and the possibility of redemption. Through Angelique's story, Jessica finds not just distraction, but a roadmap for her own healing, and a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope endures.
The Power of Small Kindnesses
Small acts of kindness—Anne's generosity, Troy's patience, Zara's friendship, Butterscotch's affection—become the building blocks of Jessica's recovery. Therapy sessions with Robyn offer tools for managing PTSD, while Bailey, her service dog in training, provides comfort and grounding. The community's acceptance, the rituals of daily life, and the slow work of renovation all contribute to a sense of belonging. Jessica learns that healing is not a solitary journey, but one made possible by the steady presence of others. Each kindness chips away at the walls she's built, making space for trust, love, and self-forgiveness.
Breaking Down Barriers
As the house is physically transformed, so too is Jessica's inner world. The act of knocking down walls becomes a metaphor for breaking through emotional barriers. Her relationship with Troy deepens, moving from friendship to romance, but is fraught with the challenges of trauma, trust, and the fear of being unworthy of love. Their intimacy is tentative, negotiated, and deeply healing—each kiss, each touch, a reclamation of agency and desire. Yet, the specter of the past looms, and Jessica must decide whether to risk vulnerability for the chance at a new life.
The Festival of Second Chances
The town's festival becomes a crucible for Jessica's growth—a test of her ability to face crowds, triggers, and the ever-present fear of exposure. Surrounded by friends, she navigates moments of anxiety and joy, learning to trust in her own strength and the support of those around her. The festival, organized by Troy to raise awareness for PTSD, is a celebration of survival, community, and the possibility of new beginnings. For Jessica, it marks a turning point: a step out of the shadows and into the light of hope.
Betrayal and Breaking Points
Just as Jessica begins to believe in the possibility of happiness, new threats emerge. A break-in at her home, Bailey's sudden illness, and the ever-present risk of her true identity being discovered push her to the brink. The parallel story of Angelique reaches a crisis, mirroring Jessica's own sense of betrayal and danger. As the past and present collide, Jessica must confront the limits of secrecy, the cost of survival, and the courage required to claim her future. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with Jessica's fate—and the fate of those she loves—hanging in the balance.
Analysis
A modern tale of survival, healing, and the legacy of traumaOne More Secret is a powerful exploration of the long shadow cast by abuse, injustice, and war. Through its dual timelines, the novel draws connections between the hidden battles women have fought across generations—whether in the literal trenches of World War II or the psychological minefields of domestic violence and wrongful imprisonment. The story refuses easy answers: healing is slow, nonlinear, and often incomplete; trust is hard-won and easily shattered; love is both a risk and a necessity. The novel's greatest strength lies in its portrayal of community—the way small kindnesses, shared rituals, and the steady presence of friends and animals can make survival possible. By centering the experiences of women who have been silenced, shamed, or erased, the book offers both a critique of the systems that perpetuate violence and a celebration of the resilience required to overcome it. Ultimately, One More Secret is a testament to the power of hope, the necessity of connection, and the courage it takes to claim a new life, even when the past refuses to let go.
Review Summary
One More Secret is a dual-timeline romantic suspense novel that has captivated most readers with its emotional depth. Reviewers praise the slow-burn romance between Jessica and Troy, the fascinating WWII subplot through Angelique's journals, and the sensitive portrayal of PTSD and domestic abuse recovery. Many readers were surprised to discover the book ends on a dramatic cliffhanger, as it is the first in a trilogy. Common criticisms include difficulty connecting with Jessica and some readers skipping the historical sections. Overall rating: 4.19/5.
Characters
Jessica Smithson (Savannah Townsend)
Jessica is the heart of the novel—a woman marked by trauma, loss, and resilience. Wrongly imprisoned for her husband's murder, she emerges from five years in prison with deep physical and psychological scars. Her journey is one of survival: navigating PTSD, the loss of her daughter, and the constant fear of being discovered. Jessica is fiercely independent yet deeply lonely, craving connection but terrified of vulnerability. Her relationships—with Troy, Anne, her friends, and her service dog Bailey—become lifelines. Through therapy and the slow work of rebuilding, Jessica evolves from a woman defined by her past to one who dares to hope for a future. Her arc is one of reclaiming agency, learning to trust, and discovering that healing is possible, even after unimaginable pain.
Troy Carson
Troy is an ex-Marine, contractor, and the emotional anchor for many in Maple Ridge. Driven by the suicide of his best friend and his own experiences with trauma, Troy is committed to helping others—veterans, friends, and, increasingly, Jessica. He is patient, compassionate, and deeply loyal, but also struggles with his own sense of failure and the need to fix what's broken. Troy's journey is one of learning to balance care for others with self-acceptance, and to recognize that healing is a collaborative process. His relationship with Jessica is transformative for both, challenging his savior complex and opening him to vulnerability and love.
Anne Carstairs
Anne is Jessica's landlord and the bridge to her new life. Warm, nonjudgmental, and quietly wise, Anne offers Jessica not just a place to stay, but a chance at belonging. Her connection to the house and its history provides both comfort and mystery. Anne's respect for privacy and her willingness to trust Jessica become catalysts for Jessica's healing. She represents the possibility of kindness without strings, and her presence is a steadying force in the chaos of Jessica's world.
Zara
Zara is Troy's childhood friend and the owner of Picnic & Treats. Outgoing, empathetic, and a bit of a meddler, she is instrumental in drawing Jessica into the community. Zara's warmth and humor provide a counterbalance to Jessica's anxiety, and her willingness to offer friendship without judgment is a model of acceptance. She is also a voice of reason, challenging both Jessica and Troy to confront their fears and desires. Zara's role is that of connector, confidante, and occasional matchmaker.
Bailey
Bailey, Jessica's service dog in training, is more than a pet—she is a symbol of hope, grounding, and unconditional love. Bailey's presence helps Jessica manage her PTSD, offering comfort during flashbacks and a reason to engage with the world. The process of training and bonding with Bailey mirrors Jessica's own journey toward trust and healing. Bailey's vulnerability and resilience reflect Jessica's, and their relationship is a testament to the power of small, everyday acts of care.
Butterscotch
Butterscotch, Troy's therapy dog, is attuned to the emotions of those around him. His gentle presence helps bridge the gap between Jessica and Troy, offering comfort and a sense of safety. Butterscotch's ability to sense distress and provide nonjudgmental support is a reminder of the healing power of animals, and his role in the story is both practical and symbolic.
Kellan Carson
Kellan, Troy's adopted brother, is quiet, observant, and marked by his own experiences with incarceration and betrayal. His ability to recognize Jessica's trauma and his decision to keep her secrets make him a crucial ally. Kellan's presence is both protective and challenging, pushing Jessica to confront her fears while respecting her boundaries. His arc is one of solidarity, empathy, and the recognition that healing often requires the support of those who understand the darkness.
Angelique (Iris Bromfield)
Angelique, the protagonist of the parallel World War II narrative, is a British SOE agent living under an assumed identity in Nazi-occupied France. Her life is one of constant danger, moral ambiguity, and sacrifice. Angelique's courage, intelligence, and resilience mirror Jessica's, and her story becomes a source of inspiration and reflection for the present-day characters. Through her journals, Angelique offers lessons in survival, the cost of secrets, and the enduring power of hope.
Johann Schmidt
Johann is a German officer billeted in the same farmhouse as Angelique. His presence is both a threat and a source of unexpected connection. Marked by his own losses and moral conflicts, Johann is not the typical villain; his actions reveal the complexities of war and the possibility of humanity even in the enemy. His relationship with Angelique is fraught with tension, trust, and the possibility of redemption.
Violet
Violet, a young mother in Maple Ridge, becomes a friend to Jessica and a subtle reflection of her own past. Hints of abuse in Violet's life trigger Jessica's protective instincts and force her to confront the limits of secrecy and the responsibility to help others. Violet's storyline underscores the ongoing reality of domestic violence and the importance of community support.
Plot Devices
Dual Timeline Structure
The novel employs a dual timeline, weaving together Jessica's contemporary story with Angelique's World War II narrative. This structure allows for thematic resonance—parallels in trauma, secrecy, and survival—while also providing historical depth and a sense of continuity in women's experiences of violence and resistance. The journals serve as both a literal and metaphorical bridge, connecting past and present, and offering Jessica a model for her own healing.
Hidden Spaces and Secrets
The motif of hidden rooms, secret compartments, and coded messages recurs throughout the novel, symbolizing the ways in which trauma is buried, identities are concealed, and survival depends on secrecy. The house itself is a character, its layers of history and mystery reflecting Jessica's own need to hide and protect herself. The process of uncovering these secrets becomes a metaphor for therapy and the slow work of healing.
PTSD as Narrative Engine
Jessica's PTSD is not just a backstory, but a driving force in the narrative. Flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance shape her interactions, relationships, and choices. The novel uses these symptoms to create tension, but also to explore the realities of recovery—the setbacks, the small victories, and the importance of support. Troy's own experiences with trauma, and his work with veterans, provide a counterpoint and a source of empathy.
Found Family and Community
The theme of found family—friends, neighbors, and even animals—runs throughout the novel. Jessica's journey is one from isolation to belonging, and the community's acceptance is both a source of healing and a test of her ability to trust. The festival, game nights, and shared projects become rituals of inclusion, reinforcing the idea that recovery is a collective endeavor.
Foreshadowing and Cliffhangers
The novel employs foreshadowing—through news articles, security rituals, and the ever-present threat of discovery—to maintain tension. The parallel narrative of Angelique's increasing danger mirrors Jessica's own escalating risks. The story ends on a cliffhanger, with unresolved threats and the promise of further revelations, ensuring that the emotional arc remains compelling and the reader invested in the characters' fates.
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